NIL
Sherrone Moore Overcomes $125K NIL Challenge With Strategic Recruiting Staff Restructure
Making “top team” lists can be just noise, but Michigan is turning heads month after month. Their hot streak keeps blazing as they landed in the final five for elite On300 linebacker Anthony Davis, Jr. This heavyweight recruit’s top list reads like a who’s who of power programs—and Sherrone Moore‘s Michigan is right there battling […]

Making “top team” lists can be just noise, but Michigan is turning heads month after month. Their hot streak keeps blazing as they landed in the final five for elite On300 linebacker Anthony Davis, Jr. This heavyweight recruit’s top list reads like a who’s who of power programs—and Sherrone Moore‘s Michigan is right there battling for the crown. The Wolverines have their work cut out, but the momentum is undeniable. And it’s not just players—the coaching staff’s recruiting game is firing on all cylinders, too. Michigan’s rise isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
For the 2025 season, Michigan’s Sherrone Moore made bold moves to boost his coaching squad. Pernell McPhee, a former NFL linebacker, stepped up as outside linebackers coach. Erik Campbell returned, adding veteran savvy as assistant wide receivers coach. These hires sharpen Michigan’s edge on the field and in recruiting battles. But it comes with a price—Michigan faces a $125,000 NIL hurdle, sparking $235,000 in 2025 and $110,000 in 2026. So, the Wolverines are investing big to build a powerhouse.
Following that, Sherrone Moore made another power move—this time in the recruiting department. On May 31, Michigan added fresh energy as Tyler Markray joined the program. The news came straight from the source. “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as a Recruiting Analyst at the University of Michigan! I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported and believed in me throughout this journey—your encouragement has made all the difference! I’m thrilled to continue my journey in football and can’t wait to make an impact with the Wolverines!” wrote Markray upon getting the job. His arrival adds fuel to the Wolverines’ recruiting machine as Moore builds a future-ready staff.
However, Tyler Markray’s journey has come full circle. Once a 2018 recruit out of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, he committed to Steve Clinkscale at Kentucky. Though his playing time was limited—just four carries for 62 yards and a touchdown—he still made his mark with a 45-yard score against UT Martin in 2019. After stepping off the field, Markray pivoted to recruiting, recently landing a role at Western Michigan. Now, he’s back on a bigger stage, joining Sherrone Moore’s Michigan staff. From the field to the front office, Markray’s football story is far from over.
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Before landing the Michigan gig, Tyler Markray had already been grinding behind the scenes. His resume reads like a roadmap to football ops success. Most recently, he served as a Recruiting Assistant at Western Michigan. Before that, he was a Public Relations Game Day Assistant with the Washington Commanders. Add in time as an Operations Associate and a Football Intern, and it’s clear—Markray didn’t just show up, he leveled up. Now, all that hustle is headed straight to Ann Arbor.
But Markray isn’t the only new face in Michigan’s recruiting department—Anthony Johnson is joining too. From Pittsburgh to the Big House, Johnson’s journey has been anything but ordinary. After stints at Bowling Green, Youngstown State, and Illinois, he landed at Pitt—only to suffer a career-ending spinal injury during Week 2 prep. But Johnson didn’t let that end his football story. Degree in hand, he’s now bringing his grit and game IQ to Michigan’s recruiting staff. A new chapter begins—off the field, but still all in.
It’s not just recruiting—Sherrone Moore is turning heads all across the CFB world. From bold staff moves to building a powerhouse culture in Ann Arbor, the Michigan head coach is making noise beyond the roster.
Sherrone Moore’s latest power move
NIL has flipped the recruiting script at Michigan, especially with the blockbuster signing of five-star QB Bryce Underwood. The top 2025 prospect switched from LSU, lured by a jaw-dropping $10.5 million NIL deal over four years. Michigan’s powerhouse NIL group, Champions Circle, fueled by billionaire Larry Ellison, made the difference. This shows how NIL is now a driving force in CFB recruiting. But it’s not just about money — Sherrone Moore’s coaching success is taking Michigan to new heights.
Sherrone Moore’s first year at Michigan wasn’t smooth sailing. In 2024, the Wolverines stumbled to a 5-5 record through 10 games after Jim Harbaugh’s exit. But Moore’s squad rallied hard, shocking OSU as three-touchdown underdogs, beating Northwestern, and topping it off with a win over Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl to finish 8-5. Expectations are sky-high for Year 2, though opinions are mixed. CBS Sports dropped Moore in their 2025 coach rankings, but Sporting News thinks differently. Bill Bender bumped Moore from No. 35 to No. 34 heading into the new season — a sign some see real promise.
But Sherrone Moore is under the microscope heading into the 2025 season. With a 2-game suspension looming, the pressure to perform is off the charts. Unlike Jim Harbaugh, who got nine years to prove himself, Moore’s leash is much shorter — no playoff run means no future in Ann Arbor. Michigan’s QB woes in 2024 only raised the stakes, making 5-star Bryce Underwood’s debut a must-win moment. Beating OSU won’t cut it anymore; Moore has to deliver CFP success, and soon. Without that breakthrough, his tenure at Michigan could be over before it truly begins.
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NIL
Top expert’s source leans toward Michigan for 5-star Calvin Russell
Man, this recruitment is nuts. The back and forth, the analyst buzz, the speculation, the prognostications. It’s all over the place. On Saturday night, though, we’ll have a little clarity. At least for now. Calvin Russell lll, a long-time Syracuse football priority target, is expected to announce his college decision around 9 pm. That being […]

Man, this recruitment is nuts. The back and forth, the analyst buzz, the speculation, the prognostications. It’s all over the place.
On Saturday night, though, we’ll have a little clarity. At least for now. Calvin Russell lll, a long-time Syracuse football priority target, is expected to announce his college decision around 9 pm.
That being said, even if the Orange’s name isn’t called on Saturday evening, amid Russell’s birthday party, I’d wager that head coach Fran Brown and his top-flight staff will continue to pursue the elite 2026 five-star wide receiver and top-25 national prospect.
Russell, per a graphic for his birthday party and commitment announcement, has whittled down his list to Syracuse football, Oregon, Florida State and Michigan. I’ve been told that at this juncture, his recruitment likely boils down to the Orange and the Wolverines.
The latest piece from top expert Steve Wiltfong, who is vice president of national college football recruiting and the transfer portal at On3/Rivals, reads: “Source: ‘My gut says Michigan’ for five-star target.”
Take it for what it’s worth, my friends.
Syracuse football will know where it stands with 5-star WR Calvin Russell lll.
When I wrote this article, I didn’t see any analyst predictions for Russell on 247Sports. There’s one projection in Michigan’s direction for him via On3/Rivals, but it’s not from Wiltfong.
Coming off his recent official visit to the Wolverines, before the dead period in college football recruiting hit, Michigan appeared to pick up a lot of steam with Russell, who won a state title as a junior at Northwestern Senior High School, an excellent program that the ‘Cuse staff recruits extremely hard these days.
Russell, who wants to play hoops in college as well, holds a scholarship offer from Syracuse basketball, too. My take is this: Brown has likely forged the strongest relationship with Russell, and basically the entire Orange staff is recruiting him hard.
On the flip side, while I’ve heard that Syracuse’s NIL is competitive for Russell, to think that the Orange could outbid Michigan is unrealistic. Also, while the ‘Cuse was 10-3 a season ago, Michigan plays in the Big Ten Conference, one of the top two leagues for college football along with the Southeastern Conference.
Two terms ago, the Wolverines won a national championship. So one could argue, reasonably, that Russell would be playing on a bigger stage at Michigan than on the Hill.
If I hear any more chatter throughout the day, I’ll share. We’ll, of course, have coverage, too, following Russell’s announcement.
NIL
Paul Finnebaum adds to Ohio State vendetta with bold claim about OSU’s playoff chances in 2025
It’s no secret that popular ESPN college football analyst is not a fan of Ohio State football. And on the Fourth of July, he added a new chapter to his ongoing vendetta. With a bold claim about the defending national champions’ playoff chances. “I don’t like Ohio State,” Finebaum said on a special Fourth of July […]

It’s no secret that popular ESPN college football analyst is not a fan of Ohio State football. And on the Fourth of July, he added a new chapter to his ongoing vendetta. With a bold claim about the defending national champions’ playoff chances.
“I don’t like Ohio State,” Finebaum said on a special Fourth of July edition of ESPN’s Get Up [h/t On3]. “I think Ohio State is going to lose in the opener against Texas. And they are going to struggle to make the Playoffs, let alone win it all.”
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While it certainly seems like sour grapes from a long-time Buckeyes detractor, especially after winning a national title earlier this year, Ohio State lost a record 14 players in the NFL Draft in April. Including Quinshon Judkins and Josh Simmons. So, coach Ryan Day will have to try to defend the throne with a very different group in 2025.
Also Read:: Highest-paid college football coaches 2025: Kirby Smart, Bill Belichick among top CFB coach salaries
Yet, that wasn’t the only shot Finebaum took at OSU. After being asked about comments from star receiver Ryan Williams on how the loss to Michigan motivated their title run, the long-time ESPN analyst suggested Ohio State’s losing streak to hated rivals the Wolverines may not end in 2025.
“I’m glad to see someone on the Ohio State lineup maybe do something more than just mouthing words,” Finebaum said. “Ryan Day has promised that for every loss to not lose again and he continues to lose again. But they are the defending National Champions, so even clowns like me on the fourth of July are not going to call for a firing of a coach because he loses one game.
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“However, that is a game he has to deal with at some point. But that National Championship will pay a lot of bills and probably, yes, another loss to Michigan.”
The Buckeyes have lost four straight to the Wolverines, dating back to 2021.
Also Read:: Highest paid college football players 2025: Top NIL valuations right now
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NIL
Red Raiders’ latest NIL deal may get Razorback fans’ attention
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — If you thought Arkansas would be on a level playing field with the new revenur-sharing deal Texas Tech will probably bring you back to reality. The only good part of that news for Razorback fans is Texas Longhorn faithful are jumping up and down like a shortstop that just won the World […]

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — If you thought Arkansas would be on a level playing field with the new revenur-sharing deal Texas Tech will probably bring you back to reality.
The only good part of that news for Razorback fans is Texas Longhorn faithful are jumping up and down like a shortstop that just won the World Series.
The news broke just after noon on Friday that Felix Ojo, a 6-foot-6, 285-pound offensive tackle out of Mansfield, Texas, announced his commitment to Texas Tech.
It wasn’t just the school choice that sent shockwaves through the college football world, it was the contract that came with it.
Let’s change cfb… https://t.co/6EJuYpVHbB
— Felix Ojo
(@FelixTheOL) July 4, 2025
A lot of people thought all that was coming to an end with the settlement. Apparently these NIL Collectives are still going strong and just got lawyers to tell them how to do it.
Now the question around here is can the Razorbacks continuing to build a collective to compete? The hope was this clearing-house idea was going to slow all this down, but the deal Texas Tech has guaranteed an offensive lineman shows it apparently isn’t going anywhere.
Ojo, ranked No. 20 in the 2026 ESPN 300 and widely considered one of the best linemen in the nation, ESPN reported he signed a fully guaranteed three-year, $5.1 million revenue-share deal with the Red Raiders, according to his agent Derrick Shelby of Prestige Management.
With Ojo’s contract, a new weapon has entered the fray with direct, multimillion-dollar compensation for teenagers still years away from draft eligibility.
“Football is a brutal sport, and athletes are not able to play professionally until their graduating class has been in college three years,” Shelby told ESPN. “It was important to be able to secure Felix Ojo’s future and give him and his family some security as he continues to develop into a first-round NFL draft pick.”
In the wake of a federal settlement in June, colleges are now able to pay athletes directly. What was once a shadowy world of name, image and likeness (NIL) collectives and third-party sponsors has moved into the open, with contracts that rival rookie NFL deals.
Texas Tech, eager to compete with college football’s blue bloods, has wasted no time leveraging this new system. Just last winter, the Red Raiders spent more than $10 million on 17 transfer players, building one of the nation’s most formidable recruiting classes.
Ojo turned down offers from Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, and Texas, all of which, according to recruiting sources, made substantial revenue-share pitches in the final stages of his recruitment.
The money is eye-opening, but so is how it’s structured. Ojo’s contract is fully guaranteed—an important detail in a sport where injuries can derail careers before they begin.
The deal rivals that of Jackson Cantwell, another elite offensive tackle who reportedly signed a contract worth more than $2 million per year with Miami. For top prospects, the market has shifted overnight.
BREAKING: Five-Star Plus+ OT Jackson Cantwell has Committed to Miami, he tells me for @on3recruits
The No. 1 Recruit in the ‘26 Class chose the Hurricanes over Georgia, Oregon, & Ohio State
“Southwest Missouri
South Beach #GoCanes x #NSGB”https://t.co/5y15Hop09Q pic.twitter.com/xsErPaZ0lD
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 13, 2025
Texas Tech is no stranger to high-stakes NIL maneuvers. Last year, the school’s NIL collective, the Matador Club, made headlines when it helped the softball program land transfer pitcher NiJaree Canady from Stanford with a one-year, $1,050,024 deal.
Canady, also represented by Shelby, parlayed that into another seven-figure contract after leading Tech to its first-ever Women’s College World Series appearance.
Ojo’s arrival is just the latest milestone in a busy summer for Texas Tech recruiting. The Red Raiders have assembled the nation’s second-ranked transfer class and have landed 18 commitments for 2026, including 13 from Texas.
The offensive line haul, with Ojo as its anchor, also features three-star guard Jerald Mays and tackle Jacob Crow.
The $5.1 million figure is already reverberating throughout college football. Rival coaches are adjusting their pitches, boosters are recalibrating their fundraising expectations, and athletes are rethinking what’s possible.
“This is a whole new era,” said Andrew Brandt, former NFL executive and sports business analyst. “We’re going to see more fully guaranteed deals for top recruits, and schools that can’t keep up are going to fall behind quickly.”
NIL
EA’s College Football 26 Release Date, Top Player Ratings, New Features and Preview
One of the biggest issues facing last year’s release was the actual in-game play. Blocking was unrealistic, interceptions and pass defenses, accuracy and timing shortcomings, and defensive pursuit were all frequently mention in reviews of the release as major flaws. According the official website of this year’s release, it is something developers have addressed. “Enhanced […]
One of the biggest issues facing last year’s release was the actual in-game play. Blocking was unrealistic, interceptions and pass defenses, accuracy and timing shortcomings, and defensive pursuit were all frequently mention in reviews of the release as major flaws.
According the official website of this year’s release, it is something developers have addressed.
“Enhanced AI, dynamic play-calling adjustments, improved blocking and coverages plus new features like Dynamic Substitutions and custom zones give you more control on both sides of the ball, so you can show your opponent what your program is made of.”
The game has also introduced new player types and abilities so that gamers can create the perfect recruit to help lead their team to a College Football Playoff victory amid increased popularity in creation suites.
As part of the Road to Glory feature, they can take their player on the complete journey, from earning their scholarship, through the recruitment period, and onto the roster, where they can continuously track his progression.
The developers also promise a more authentic coaching experience that allows players to compete against and try to outsmart Ryan Day, Marcus Freeman, James Franklin, and other elite college head coaches as part of the game’s Dynasty Mode.
There, players will have access to a trophy room, where they can showcase their accomplishments and help utilize it to encourage those in the transfer portal. They can track player progression, manage and recruit their roster, and set themselves up for a chance at the top prize in the sport.
While intent and execution are two different things, it appears as though EA Games has put in the effort to make the changes and improvements to what plagued fans’ experience with last year’s game.
We will find out starting Monday if those changes were effective or not.
Click here for a deeper dive into the many new gameplay features in this year’s release.
NIL
Rajakovic talks 'shocking' Raptors restructure, shares insights on NIL's global impact
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic discussed NBA-Euroleague relations, NIL’s impact, coaching pressures, and his philanthropic efforts. He emphasized mutual respect between leagues and staying grounded amid basketball’s evolving global landscape. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports – Scanpix The heartbeat of European basketball echoed through Athens once again as the Euroleague Coaches Congress returned […]

Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic discussed NBA-Euroleague relations, NIL’s impact, coaching pressures, and his philanthropic efforts. He emphasized mutual respect between leagues and staying grounded amid basketball’s evolving global landscape.
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports – Scanpix
The heartbeat of European basketball echoed through Athens once again as the Euroleague Coaches Congress returned to Greece for the second consecutive summer.
Free throws this season


Held at the OAKA indoor arena, the high-level basketball seminar brought together some of Europe’s finest coaching minds for four days of knowledge sharing and networking.
Among the elite speakers was Serbian coach Darko Rajakovic , head coach of the Toronto Raptors. Having carved out a notable path in the NBA, Rajakovic returned to the Euroleague event to engage in meaningful discussions about the game’s evolution, coaching philosophies, and the future of basketball both in North America and Europe. During his visit, he was also officially welcomed as a member of the Euroleague Head Coaches Board (EHCB).
Euroleague vs. NBA: Bridging Two Worlds
Rajakovic is one of the rare coaches to have deep roots in both European and American basketball.
While praising the NBA as the most elite league in terms of talent and resources, he believes the Euroleague deserves more respect.
“There’s still a big gap in mutual understanding between the two,” he told Athletiko’s Chirstos Tsaltas and Thanasis Asproulias. “Europe has great players, incredible coaches, and passionate fans. We all have a lot to learn from each other.”
By bringing his assistant coaches with him to the Congress, Rajakovic emphasized the importance of exchanging ideas and perspectives. “If someone in the audience learns even one new detail that enhances their coaching philosophy, it’s worth it.”
The Ujiri Shock and the Raptors’ Rebuild
The off-season saw a major shift for the Raptors with the departure of Masai Ujiri as President of Basketball Operations.
For Rajakovic, it was a jolt. “Masai is an amazing human and leader. He gave me this opportunity. His exit was shocking, but I understand this business. Everything runs in cycles.”
Despite the leadership change, Rajakovic remains optimistic. “We have a great young core, and strong support from ownership and the front office. We’re positioned for success.”
The State of European Basketball: Identity Crisis?
Asked about the increasing pace and game load in Europe, Rajakovic drew a sharp comparison. “Europe seems to be trying to copy the NBA model—faster pace, more games—but that’s not necessarily better.” He expressed concern about Europe’s failure to integrate young talent: “That’s the biggest issue. Young players rarely get chances in a league of veterans.”
He also questioned the sustainability of the basketball “product” in Europe: “A week after Panathinaikos won the Euroleague, they played Maroussi in front of 200 fans. What are we doing here?”
The Coaching Game: No Job Is Safe
Coaching in the NBA means living on the edge. “There are two types of coaches,” Rajakovic quipped. “Those who have been fired and those who will be fired. If you want security, get a job at the post office.”
He emphasized that longevity comes from alignment and patience within an organization. “The most successful franchises maintain continuity and understand their goals.”
Despite working in a league often dominated by media speculation and trade rumors, Rajakovic chooses to block out the noise. “I don’t use social media. I don’t read the news. I focus on what I can control.”
He trusts the Raptors’ front office to handle personnel matters. “They’re professionals. My job is to coach. If and when a trade becomes serious, we discuss it then.”
The NIL Effect: Europe vs. NCAA
The emergence of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights in the NCAA has opened new doors for young athletes—and new challenges for European basketball. More top prospects are now opting to play college basketball in the U.S., chasing both development and commercial opportunities.
Rajakovic sees this as a game-changer. “Talents are increasingly leaving Europe earlier. It’s reshaping the global basketball market.”
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NIL
Who has the highest NIL valuation on every preseason college football Top 25 team?
The 2025 college football season is right around the corner, and there is no shortage of highly-valued stars among the nation’s top teams. Name, Image and Likeness is paving the way for student athletes to build generational wealth before stepping foot on the field as a professional. And staying competitive in that space is critical […]

The 2025 college football season is right around the corner, and there is no shortage of highly-valued stars among the nation’s top teams.
Name, Image and Likeness is paving the way for student athletes to build generational wealth before stepping foot on the field as a professional. And staying competitive in that space is critical for programs in building the depth for a College Football Playoff run and ultimately a national championship.
Using ESPN’s post-spring Top 25 and On3 NIL valuations, here’s a look at each team’s leading player in NIL ahead of the upcoming season, excluding BYU, which has no available data.
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer holds an NIL valuation of $2.7 million.
Ole Miss offensive tackle Diego Pounds holds an NIL valuation of $1.1 million.
Texas A&M wide receiver Kevin Concepcion holds an NIL valuation of $1.2 million.
Louisville quarterback Miller Moss holds an NIL valuation of $1.2 million.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck holds an NIL valuation of $4.3 million.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood holds an NIL valuation of $3 million.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway holds an NIL valuation of $3.7 million.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson holds an NIL valuation of $1.6 million.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza holds an NIL valuation of $1.4 million
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter holds an NIL valuation of $1.1 million.
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings holds an NIL valuation of $944,000.
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht holds an NIL valuation of $1.2 million.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers holds an NIL valuation of $3.7 million.
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt holds an NIL valuation of $3.1 million.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer holds an NIL valuation of $1.1 million.
There is no available data for who leads the Cougars in NIL.
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams holds an NIL valuation of $2.7 million.
Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart holds an NIL valuation of $1.7 million.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love holds an NIL valuation of $1.6 million.
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier holds an NIL valuation of $3.8 million.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith holds an NIL valuation of $4.2 million.
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch holds an NIL valuation of $1.1 million.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning holds an NIL valuation of $6.8 million.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik holds an NIL valuation of $3.4 million.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar holds an NIL valuation of $3.1 million.
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